Seattle Office of Inspector General announces Cal Anderson May 24 review

The Seattle Office of Inspector General announced a review of the Seattle Police Department's crowd control tactics during a May 24 protest against an anti-trans Christian group's rally in Cal Anderson Park. The investigation will focus on SPD's use of batons and pepper spray, which led to over 20 arrests amid clashes between queer and pro-life demonstrators. Mayor Bruce Harrell has committed to examining SPD's actions, highlighting the need for accountability in policing. The review will also explore why the church group was granted a permit for the rally and will assess broader city functions that may have contributed to negative outcomes. FBI officials have suggested a potential investigation into First Amendment rights violations concerning city officials.

The OIG plans to work with the Community Police Commission to interview witnesses and engage with affected communities. Similar reviews followed the 2020 protests, revealing flaws in SPD's responses and contributing to revised policies. Recommendations from this review could inform future crowd management strategies and accountability measures.